Category Archives: Fort Scott

Art, Business, Exercise, Fort Scott

New Self Defense Classes Offered in Fort Scott

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Brandon Pfannenstiel and Noah Terry. Submitted photo.
For those interested in learning self-defense techniques, a new business has opened for teaching those techniques.
The Fort: Bjj and Self Defense co-founders and owners, Noah Terry and Brandon Pfannenstiel, opened to the public on May 8.
“We offer Jiu Jitsu classes for both kids and adults,” Terry said. “We also offer MMA and striking classes as well. All with an orientation towards self-defense.”
For those unfamiliar with these martial arts, here are explanations.
“Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports to be used in competition. The rules allow the usage of both striking and grappling techniques while standing and on the ground. Competitions allow athletes of different disciplines of martial arts to compete under a set of unified rules,” according to https://www.ufc.com/intro-to-mma
“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a predominantly ground-based martial art, using the principles of leverage, angles, pressure, and timing, as well as knowledge of the human anatomy, to achieve a non-violent submission of one’s opponent. Unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes and/or kicks, jiu jitsu focuses on close-contact grappling holds and techniques, and the application of chokes and joint manipulations,” according to https://www.essentialbjj.com/about-us/what-is-jiu-jitsu/
“I started training four years ago out of a desire to better myself through discipline and technique,” Terry said. “Brandon started training his sophomore year of high school at a gym called Mid-America Martial Arts. He walked in untrained and eager to learn at the age of 15. This was about 2003. He gathered an 11-1 amateur and 7-1 pro MMA record, and received his black belt in February 2025.”
Lessons are taught at 123 S. National Avenue at a converted church building.
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The current schedule is:
JIU JITSU: Monday through Friday from 6-7 a.m.
Sparring class: Tuesday is  6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Open mat: Saturday from  7 to 8 a.m.
KIDS CLASS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
MMA: Monday is from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
STRIKING CLASS: Thursday, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
 Contact: (913) 475-4321 + www.thefortfs.com
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Gordon Parks Museum

Kansas Tourism Announces 2025 Sunflower Summer Attraction Lineup

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Editor’s note: Fort Scott National Historic Site and Gordon Parks Museum are on the list!

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced that more than 230 tourism attractions across the state are participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program. The lineup includes something for every interest and region of the state —  museums and historic sites, zoos, arboretums, art centers and more.

“With such a wide variety of exceptional attractions participating this year, Sunflower Summer continues to open doors for Kansas families to explore and connect with every corner of our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program not only creates unforgettable memories for students and parents — it also fuels local economies by drawing visitors to main streets, museums and hidden gems across Kansas.”

The 2025 Sunflower Summer program will run from July 12 to August 3. During this period, eligible students and one accompanying adult are granted free one-time access to each participating attraction, once per season. Passes can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the attraction upon arrival. Kansas students from pre-K through 12th grade — including those in public, private and homeschool settings — are eligible to participate. The program is exclusively available to Kansas residents.

“We’re thrilled to bring back Sunflower Summer for another year,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This program is a wonderful celebration of the incredible experiences Kansas has to offer. The variety and quality of attractions participating this year truly are outstanding — and we can’t wait for the season to begin.”

For the complete list of participating attractions and full program details, go to SunflowerSummer.org.

Families are encouraged to share their Sunflower Summer journeys on social media using #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer. For more Kansas travel ideas and inspiration, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support.

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 20 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 20th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Par Tee Girl Ladies’ Golf League –

Every Wednesday thru July!

League Fee: $40

Contact:

Diane Striler at [email protected] or 248-568-7790

Click HERE for the Facebook Group Page!

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

Fort Scott Aquatic Center

Opens Memorial Day, May 26th

Monday – Saturday

Public Swim: 1-5:15pm

Adult/Family Swim :5:30-7pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3pm & 5:15pm

Sunday

Public Swim: 1-6pm

Adult/Family Swim: 4:45-6pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3 & 4:30pm

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

Lavender Patch Farm Saturdays!

9am-1pm

2376 Locust Rd. Fort Scott, KS

Click HERE for their website

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

GOLF CART RAFFLE – donated by

Bourbon County Cars

Proceeds benefit:

Kiwanis Youth Scholarships & Care to Share

2011 Yamaha 48V Electric Golf Cart

Tickets: $20 each or 10 for $100

Tickets can be purchased at Bourbon County Cars

via Venmo by texting Josh Jones 620-215-3680

or by clicking HERE!

Drawing will be held July 12th at the

Care to Share Golf Tournament!

6/2-7/17 ~ 9:15am-10am | Freedom Fitness KidFit Summer 7-week Session

Mon-Thurs.(4 days a week)

Skill/Sport-specific training

Limited spots available

$110 due on the first day

6/20 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts in the Park

Feat. David Prickett (guitar/vocal/solo act)

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

In case of inclement weather concert will move inside at

Common Ground Coffee Co.

6/20-22nd ~| Bourbon County Fair Rodeo, Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Contact: Stewart Gulager 620-215-5302

6/20-21st ~ 7-10pm | RockBallet Dance Recital

6/21 ~| Kansas Rocks – Newbie Women Wheelers

Basic Skills Course

2051 130th Mapleton, KS

6/21 ~ 8am-12pm | Woodland Hills Jr. Golf

2-person Scramble

8am start

6/21 ~ 11am-1pm | Bike Show for

Guest Home Estates, 737 S. Heylman

BBQ, Meet & Greet with the residents

Enjoy food & great company!

Bike Show & 50/50 Raffle

Trophies for 1st place in residence choice.

** All proceeds benefit Guest Home Estates

6/21 ~ 12pm-5pm | Pool Tournament – Brent Wheeler Benefit

Jack & Jill tourney

Holmtown Pub, 206 S. National Ave.

$20/per | $40/team

Calcutta starts at 12pm | Play starts at 1pm

Pool Register: Les 620-215-3199 or

Jena 620-704-9399

Silent Auction Items:

Shotgun a5 sweet 16 & Winchester 36 Gun Safe

Raffle tickets: Nick 316-212-6450 or

Chase 620-224-8015

6/21 ~ 6-10pm | Mardi Gras in the Fort – Ernest James Zydeco Band

Care to Share providing Shrimp Boil for a

free will donation.

Downtown The Gathering Square Pavilion.

Bring your lawn chair!

6/21 ~ Glaze day at the Artificers

10am-3pm

$10 per piece

Click HERE for their website!

6/22 ~ 1:30-3:30pm | Parent Empowerment Circle – “Finding Help Closer to Home”

First Southern Baptist Church

1818 S. Main St.

6/24 ~ 11-6pm | FS Chamber of Commerce Job Fair

11am-2pm Session 1

4-6pm Session 2

Ellis Fine Arts Center – FSCC Campus

2108 S. Horton St.

6/25 ~ Welcome Great Adventure Tours for a Daytrip in Fort Scott!

They are here to tour the town!

Trolley ~ Lowell Milken Center ~ Gordon Parks Museum ~ Lunch ~ Shopping and more!

6/26 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by TBD

6/26 ~ 1-3pm | Family Strong Community Sensemaking Session

Ellis Fine Arts Center, FSCC Campus

2108 S. Horton St.

Click HERE to RSVP

6/27-28th Fort Scott High School

All School Reunion!

Click HERE for Facebook Page details!

Click HERE for website details!

6/28 ~ Bronson Day 2025

6/30 ~ Boots, Badges, & Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive

10am-4pm

Buck Run Community Center

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
…
Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Incident at National Speech and Debate Conference Explained by Destry Brown

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6/19/2025

 

Nine students and three coaches from Fort Scott High School attended the National Speech and Debate Conference this week in Des Moines, IA.

During the finals round of one of the competitions and unknown person walked onto the stage and interrupted the speech. They evacuated the auditorium thinking he was an active shooter. Later the National Speech and Debate Conference posted the following announcement:

 

This afternoon, an unidentified attendee entered the stage during the Humorous Interpretation Finals, interrupting the round. The individual has been subdued and removed from the premises. There were no weapons involved, and no threats were made. The hall was evacuated and there are no reported injuries. The rest of the venue has been swept for any potential threats by members of law enforcement. We understand the concerns people have, and we want to assure everyone that this is an isolated incident. We plan to resume the tournament later today and will aim to update attendees on the revised schedule by 4 PM CT.

The reunification area for all participants is the North parking lot, outside the Memorial Hall entrance.

 

All our students and coaches are safe and accounted for. The district administrators along with the sponsors on the trip have made the decision to bring everyone home this evening. Upon their arrival home, in addition to their families, our high school counselors and other support staff will be there to meet them at the school. We want to make sure our students, sponsors, and parents are given any support they may need in the coming days as a result of this very scary situation.

 

Mr. Slinkard, our debate and forensics coach, reported that our kids reacted very calmly and maturely during the evacuation and were helping each other as well as other kids from around the country get to safety.  He is very proud of the way our kids and coaches conducted themselves during this situation.

 

We are very thankful that everyone is safe and on their way back home.

 

Submitted by Destry Brown, Superintendent of USD234

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Youth

Parent Empowerment Circle Sunday, June 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. First Southern Baptist Church

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Sending on behalf of a Chamber Member

Southwind Extension District

You’re invited to attend the

Parent Empowerment Circle

Sunday, June 22

1:30-3:30

 First Southern Baptist Church

(Family Life Center)

1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS

Questions/to RSVP:

Cherri Walrod, Community Health worker.

Call or text 620-945-9081

or email [email protected]

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Fort Scott

The After Affect Has A New Building In the Works

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From left, owner Shelly Bradley and long-time employee Debi Fritter stand in front of the current salon site. A new building for the salon is being constructed about 14 blocks east.

Shelly Bradley, owner of The After Affect Salon, said the business will have an “18 and on-our-own party” to celebrate the relocation of her business to a newly constructed building.

“We hope to be open in August (at the new site),” she said. “August will be the salon’s 18th anniversary, and we want to have a party to celebrate.”

“My husband, Zach, had tried to talk me into buying or building a new salon, to invest in our own property, and have our own parking.”

The current salon is located in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott district at 14 E. Wall, and parking can be competitive at times.

The new shop is being built and is located at 1416 E. Wall.

Shelly Bradley opens the door to her new salon at 1416 E. Wall on June 18. Completion is slated for August 2025. The salon door is on the east (left) and the other services door is on the west (right) of the front of the building.

“My Grandma Martha Cook offered to sell a lot next to her house to me. The time was right. God’s timing is perfect, and everything fell into place.”

The new 40-foot-by-40-foot building will have parking for 13 cars.

This will be needed with the additional services she will be offering in the shop: red light therapy, and tanning services, including stand-up, lay-down, and automated. All will have their private work room and additionally, two bathrooms, a utility room/kitchen/storage room, a room for retail products, and a waiting room. In addition, there will be a designated nail technician room.

“I feel so blessed with our amazing clientele that has made this a possibility and can’t wait to offer more for our community,” she said. “I am blessed that my husband has the talent and patience to help me build my dream. And I’m excited to be next door to my Grandma’s house.”

Those working on the build are Gieger Plumbing, KTK Electric, and Thomas Concrete and Construction, all of Fort Scott. She has been working with the City of Fort Scott on an economic development grant.

Bradley started the business in 2007, and Debi Fritter started offering services with her in 2010.

Riley Findley will be the new nail technician, and Debi’s daughter, Dani, will help in the tanning area.

 

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Rockballet Dancers Present “Jet Set To Wonderland” June 20-21

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Reserved Tickets are now on sale for a show of talent you
do not want to miss! Call 855-222-2849 (the number on the flyer is not correct)

https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/8277/rockballet

Kristin Lewis Gorman will present her Rockballet dancers
in their 5th annual production, “Jet Set to Wonderland” ,
this Friday and Saturday, 7:30 PM at the Ellis Family Fine
Arts center, in Fort Scott.

Kristin was a New York City based career performer and
choreographer for 25 years before coming back to open
Rockballet, sharing her knowledge and love of singing,
dancing and acting with students in her hometown.
Kristin teaches every genre of dance and every class at
Rockballet.

As always, each number in the show is her original
choreography, created exclusively for her students.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Government

Critical Shortage of Housing and Skilled Labor Response

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FRAME Grant Land Donation
Request for Proposal

Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), in collaboration with The City of Fort Scott, is seeking proposals for the donation of land to support a new workforce training initiative under the FRAME Grant program.

The FRAME Grant was developed in response to a statewide housing study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. This study identified a critical shortage of both quality housing and skilled labor across Kansas. With current contractors operating at capacity, there is an urgent need to recruit and train a new generation of workers to ensure our communities can build, grow, and thrive.

As part of this initiative, FSCC is seeking the donation of at least 2 acres of land located within the City of Fort Scott. The proposed site will be used for the construction of two new residential homes, which will serve as part of FSCC’s hands-on training program for students entering skilled trades.

Proposals for land donation are now being accepted at the City of Fort Scott to advance this vital collaboration with Fort Scott Community College through the FRAME Grant program.

Submit proposals in writing no later than Monday, June 30, 2025. To Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, City Hall, 123 S. Main Street. Fort Scott KS 66701.  For questions, please reach out to Lisa Dillon 620-223-0550 x 250 or [email protected].

The city reserves the right as judge of all values of selection.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Kansas Main Street Program is Tuesday, June 17 at 10 AM at Fort Scott City Hall

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

City of Fort Scott

You’re invited to attend an informational

meeting about the

Kansas Main Street Program

 Tuesday, June 17th at 10:00 AM

 Fort Scott City Hall

123 S. Main St.

in the Commission Room

This meeting is an opportunity to learn how the Main Street Program supports downtown revitalization, promotes small business growth, and enhances historic districts. We’ll discuss how this program can benefit Fort Scott and the businesses that call downtown home.

We encourage all business owners, building owners, and stakeholders to attend and share your voice as we explore this exciting opportunity for our community.

Please join us as we take the next steps to build on our vibrant and thriving downtown Fort Scott.

Click HERE for the FS City website!

Click HERE for the LMC Facebook Page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US